On World Polio Day, Rotary spotlights the fight to end the disease

Posted by Don Bonner 
on Nov 20, 2013
 

ENDPOLIONOW_4pFrom Rotary International 

Rotary helped put polio eradication on center stage on the day best known for rallying support to finish the job - World Polio Day, 24 October. A special Livestream presentation -World Polio Day: Making History- showcased the progress of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). Co-hosted by Rotary and the Northwestern University Center for Global Health, the 60-minute program took place before a live audience at the John Hughes Auditorium on Northwestern's Chicago campus and streamed online to viewers worldwide.

 

Before the event, RI President Ron Burton, Rotary Foundation Trustee Vice Chair Michael McGovern, RI General Secretary John Hewko, and other Rotary senior leaders welcomed representatives from corporations, foundations, educational institutions and government agencies to a special reception. The representatives -- from the AbbVie Foundation, Bank of America, Grant Thornton, J.P. Morgan, Lufthansa, the MacArthur Foundation, Marriott International, Northwestern University, Consulate of Lithuania, Chicago Department of Public Health, and the City of Evanston, among others - also heard an inspiring message on the GPEI's progress fromDr. Bruce Aylward, assistant director-general for Polio, Emergencies, and Country Collaboration at the World Health Organization. A global leader in the GPEI, Rotary is playing a major role in advocating government, nongovernment, corporate, and public support for polio eradication.
Rotary; government of Alberta, Canada; Gates Foundation boost funding

The government of Alberta, Canada, has pledged C$350,000 to Rotary's PolioPlus Program. "PolioPlus is a truly inspiring example of international partnership and dedication," said Alberta's Minister of Culture Heather Klimchuk in announcing the contribution in October.

Rotary members in Alberta will match the government's contribution for a subtotal of C$700,000. Through theEnd Polio Now: Make History Todayfundraising campaign, that amount will be matched 2 for 1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, for a total of $2.1 million for theGlobal Polio Eradication Initiative.
Biking 'Miles to End Polio'
RI General Secretary John Hewkowill again be joining Rotary members in the Tuscon, Arizona, area on 23 November to raise money for Rotary's PolioPlus Program by riding 111 miles in El Tour de Tucson, which attracts more than 9,000 cyclists a year. RI World Headquarters staff in Evanston, Illinois, are joiningHewkoin a parallel effort --Miles to End Polio-- to raise support through biking, walking, or other wellness activities to meet their own mileage goals.
Rotary at work in response to Syria outbreak

Ten polio cases have been reported in Syria. Read astatementfrom Rotary's International PolioPlus Committee Chair Dr. Robert S. Scott on how Rotary members in neighboring countries are working to keep theoutbreakfrom spreading.
Activities roundup

Rotary members in San Diego, California, USA, raised more than $2,100 by auctioning off the opportunity to attend a concert by Grammy Award-winning reggae singer Ziggy Marley, a Rotary polio eradication ambassador.

TheInteract Club of Jenkins County High Schoolraised $650 through a talent show and dinner organized by students and teachers.

On World Polio Day, Rotarians in India arranged for the India Gate and the Red Fort in Delhi, and landmarks in Bihar, Gujarat, Hyderabad, and Mumbai to be illuminated with the End Polio Now logo.

On World Polio Day, Rotarians and Rotaractors in Bulgaria handed out End Polio Now flyers in their communities to increase awareness of polio.

Rotary International in Great Britain & Irelandhas teamed up withAde Adepitan, polio survivor, British broadcaster, and former Paraylmpian, to urge public support for Rotary's End Polio Now campaign.
Rotary in the news

Watch aPBSreport on polio eradication efforts in Pakistan, featuring health workers, religious leaders, and Rotary members, including Pakistan PolioPlus Committee Chair Aziz Memon.

Readthe October cover story ofThe Magazine of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movementon Rotary's polio eradication efforts in Nigeria, quoting PolioPlus Director Carol Pandak.

Read aUSA Weekendprofile of Emmy Award-winning actress Archie Panjabi and her work as a Rotary polio eradication ambassador.

Read an article on polio eradication inThe Washington Postthat mentions Rotary's key role.
What’s ahead

Join Rotary onGiving Tuesday, 3 December to make an impact in the fight to eradicate polio. Giving Tuesday is a special call to action that unites nonprofits, small businesses, and individuals worldwide to show the power of giving.

Engage supporters of polio eradication and let them know how they can triple their impact by donating to Rotary. Every US dollar thatRotary commits to polio eradication through 2018 will be matched 2 to 1 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Share this opportunity on your social networks by using the hashtag #GivingTuesday.

Learn more aboutGiving Tuesday

DownloadEnd Polio Now Fundraising materials

Watch for more information on upcoming activities atwww.endpolionow.org.
Resource guide

Find out how theEnd Polio Now - Make History Todayfunding campaign, a partnership between Rotary International and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation makes contributions work three times as hard.

Participate in theWorld's Biggest Commercialto publicize Rotary's polio eradication efforts. It's just one of manyRotary Resourcesavailable.
Contribute to PolioPlus

The fight isn’t over. Polio is a crippling, potentially fatal infectious disease, and if we don’t finish the job of eradication,as many as 200,000 children could be crippled annually from the disease. For less than $1, a child can be vaccinated for life.

Find out how your donation cantriple in impact

Donate today.
End Polio Nowreports monthly on the progress toward global polio eradication, highlighting Rotary International's role. Email:Contact.Center@rotary.org.